South Africa Big Five Express
Four days of concentrated Big Five viewing
Your Route
Johannesburg → Private Reserve → Johannesburg
Route Details
Greater Kruger Private Reserve
Sabi Sands / Timbavati / Thornybush
Concentrated Big Five viewing in a private reserve bordering Kruger.
Highlights
- Virtually guaranteed Big Five sightings
- Exclusive traversing rights on private land
- Night drives and off-road driving
- Expert trackers and guides
A Typical Day
Sample from Greater Kruger Private Reserve
5:30–6:30
Pre-dawn wake-up, coffee, game drive
7:00–12:00
Extended game drive, bush breakfast
12:00–15:00
Brunch at lodge, spa or pool
15:00–18:00
Tea and afternoon game drive
18:00–21:00
Night drive, dinner at lodge
Activities
Included Activities
Optional (additional cost)
Is This Right for You?
Best for
Time-constrained travelers, business travelers adding a safari, first-timers wanting Big Five guarantee, Cape Town visitors adding wildlife.
Not ideal for
Those seeking extended bush immersion, budget travelers, or anyone wanting the classic multi-park circuit.
Trade-offs
Like what you see?
We'll customize this route around your preferences
Best Time to Go
Dry Season
Sparse vegetation, concentrated wildlife at water
Green Season
Lush landscapes, baby animals, lower rates
Why This Itinerary Works
Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:
4 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.
Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.
Premium positioning in private concessions or exclusive-use camps. Higher cost buys exclusivity, flexibility, and guide expertise.
Time-constrained travelers, business travelers adding a safari, first-timers wanting Big Five guarantee, Cape Town visitors adding wildlife.
Why each segment was chosen:
Greater Kruger Private Reserve
Private reserve borders allow traversing between properties. Big Five density is predictable.
These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.
How Vurara Safaris makes decisionsCustomization Options
Accommodation Options
Travel Modes
Available Extensions
Cape Town Extension
Add 3 nights in Cape Town
Extra Safari Night
One additional night for deeper exploration
Cost Context
$4,000–$8,000/pp
Per person estimate
This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.
Excluding international flights
Related Decisions
Questions to consider before booking